If you’ve never been to the gym before, starting exercise in middle age can be daunting, especially considering that menopause and exercise don’t necessarily go hand in hand. .
When your sleep is disrupted, it’s hard to get out of bed and go to the gym, and hot flashes and sweaty workouts don’t go well.
But with doctors and personal trainers stressing the importance of working out even after perimenopause, it’s important to find ways to make exercise work for you.
With this in mind, HELLO! we spoke to four inspiring women over 50 about how to make exercise fun. All four recently appeared in J.D. Williams’ Dare to Be campaign, This project aims to help middle-aged women discover the joy of physical movement. And after talking with them, we certainly felt inspired.
Read their words of wisdom.
1. You can’t find your favorite class right away
If you’re new to exercise, check out fitness app founder Mel Berry, 54. her soul, We recommend trying a few different classes to find the one that suits you best.
“Don’t be discouraged if you don’t enjoy the first one,” she reassures. “You’ll feel great when you find what works for you.”
Mel explains that women often have negative opinions about exercise, which can be traced back to their school days, when they were forced to do activities they didn’t like in PE. But if you don’t like Pilates after the first time, don’t worry, no one will force you to keep going.
“When you find something you love doing that helps you feel like the best version of yourself, you stop looking at exercise in a negative light,” Mel says.
“Time is one of the biggest barriers that women in midlife are dealing with. Time is one thing that never changes, but once you find a class or exercise that works for you, you can make time for it. “Sho,” explains Mel.
Read: I found freedom at 49 through a challenging new hobby
2. Remember that you belong there
Esme Stone, 51, of JD Williams, who teaches yoga and pilates, said: “I teach a group of middle-aged women at my gym, and many of them are worried that they won’t fit in. ” he says. She says, “In their mind’s eye, they imagine a gym full of attractive 20-something women wearing crop tops, but in reality, the gym is a place for all kinds of body types.
“I reassure my clients that no one is looking out for them because no one is looking out for them.Real exercise success comes from not worrying about what others think of you. , just work on it.
“Remember that everyone in your class has been a new person at one time or another and felt left out. Everyone will empathize with you, because when they were in your shoes Because I remember that.”
Inspiration: I’m a fitness expert. These four simple habits will help you stay healthy and strong during menopause.
3. It’s never too late to start
“I started running when I was 57 years old, as part of my breast cancer recovery,” says Amanda Curtis Wilson, 63. “I started a couch-to-her 5k program with a friend and went on from there. I had never seen myself doing it at this age.
“I’m not what you’d call a ‘natural runner’. I’m not trying to be fast or break any records, but it’s nice to get out there, move at my own pace, find nice little routes and run them. .”
“I started running to strengthen my bones after cancer, but it has helped me with so much more. Running is my go-to when I’m feeling stressed. It’s time to affirm.
“Running has given me a whole new group of friends across ages and abilities. We all support and encourage each other. Running has also helped me find a partner.
“I want other women my age to know that this will not damage my knees! It’s gotten better). Just give it a try. The hardest part is getting out the door. It never gets easier for some people, but it’s true that you’ll never regret going for a run. Do it while you can. Please do what you can!”
Inspiration: I’ve been running for 25 years, and middle-aged running is still my favorite.
4. It turns out that it is “necessary”
Wild swimmer Tess Sandilands, 52, says exercise is often important during menopause to prevent bone density loss, but as you reach middle age you’ll feel the urge to exercise. year old) says.
“I have been swimming in cold water since I was a child, but once I hit menopause I realized I needed cold water.
“It helped me feel less overwhelmed and gave me the ability to cope with what I was going through. Putting my head in the water helped my worries wash away. Cold water swimming I would recommend anyone thinking of starting to do it now! You feel great.”
Amanda, Tess, Mel, and Esme all JD Williams’ Dare to Be Campaignaims to inspire middle-aged women to discover the joy of physical activity and embrace a variety of activities such as wild swimming, cycling, trail running and weight lifting. As part of the campaign,His brand has launched various products active wearprices start from £18 and come in sizes 8 to 32.
To launch the campaign, the brand collaborated with women-led organizations her soul So that women can engage in activities with confidence. Their goal is to raise funds to help women with low or no income become more active and promote healthier, more fulfilling lifestyles for midlife women across the country.